Nelson Mandela University Inaugurates Its Own Publishing Press

Nelson Mandela University launches Mandela University Press, debuting with 'Achieving Nelson Mandela University?' to highlight African scholarship and marginalized histories.

on Aug 01, 2024

Nelson Mandela University Inaugurates Its Own Publishing Press

On July 30, 2024, Nelson Mandela University proudly unveiled its new publishing press with the release of its flagship book, Achieving Nelson Mandela University?, edited by Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa and historian Dr. Denver Webb.

The Mandela University Press, a project long in the making, received approval from the University's executive management committee in 2021. It marks the first university press in the Eastern Cape and joins seven other scholarly presses within South Africa's academic landscape. The Press aims to embody the University’s unique identity and its namesake’s legacy, fulfilling promises made during the institution's rebranding in July 2017.

Professor Sibongile Muthwa heralded the Press’s launch as a historic step towards realizing the vision of Mandela University. She emphasized the Press’s role in recentering Africa's knowledge project, collaborating beyond institutional boundaries, and promoting diverse human experiences and creativity, especially those marginalized by history.

Mandela University Chancellor Dr. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi highlighted the Press's mission to amplify African intellectual scholarship and foster inclusivity and engagement. The Mandela University Press, she asserted, positions the University as a leader in comprehensive and inclusive scholarship.

Operating within the University, the Press will publish peer-reviewed works and other materials, aiming to popularize knowledge, cultivate a reading culture, and document the rich histories of marginalized communities. It will feature contributions from academics, writers, and artists from the Eastern Cape and beyond.

Following its approval in 2021, the University partnered with African Sun Media (ASM) in 2022 to provide production services. This collaboration allows the University to publish under its own imprint without the high costs of establishing a publishing house.

ASM's CEO, Nirode Bramdaw, expressed pride in addressing historical imbalances and taking ownership of local knowledge production through this partnership.

The inaugural book, Achieving Nelson Mandela University?, available at the launch, delves into the University’s origins, evolution, and future, featuring contributions from a diverse array of writers and situating the institution within its contemporary historical context.